Gary Edward Thompson

Gary Edward Thompson, 83, of Richardson, Texas, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2020. He was born on December 28, 1936 in Chickasaw County, Iowa – to Edwin & Olive Thompson, the oldest of two sons. Gary met his love Elizabeth (Liz) Benda in Waterloo, Iowa in 1961 while she was an American Airlines flight attendant based out of Chicago. They married on November 14, 1964, welcoming two children – Tracy (Phelan), and Ted (Gary Edward, Jr.). They lived in Omaha, New Orleans, Houston, and finally settled in Richardson, Texas.

From a young age, Gary had a passion for anything with wheels and was a daredevil at heart! He collected cars & motorcycles, and enjoyed belonging to multiple auto clubs. Gary enjoyed traveling with Liz, and did so extensively. He retired after having finished his career as Vice President of Sales for a plastic packaging company, allowing the time to meet not only his goal of visiting all 50 states, but several countries in Europe as well. They took many trips in their RV, making several new friends along the way. Gary and Liz were fortunate to have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary as well as his 83rd birthday in 2019.

“Larger than life”… “The big guy in the room”… “Big guy with an even bigger heart”…

… all accurate descriptions of Gary from friends and loved ones over the years. He and Liz attended mass every Saturday evening, and rarely missed weekly Tuesday breakfast with his neighbors. Gary was a kind and gentle man with a giving heart, who was always there to help anyone in need. He treasured the importance of friendships and was an avid lover of animals, especially dogs. His wicked sense of humor and zest for life were enjoyed by all who knew and loved him.

Fiercely protective of his family, Gary was a very proud husband, father, and grandfather of three; Rachel & Natalie Phelan – daughters of Tom and Tracy (Thompson) Phelan, and Trenton Thompson, son of Ted and Jennifer Thompson. His devotion to family never waned, enjoying any opportunity to share in the joys of watching his grandchildren grow. Be it holiday festivities, sporting events, Grandparents Day, school activities, birthdays, etc., Gary was always there offering love and support, with his sparkling eyes and welcoming smile. Each year Gary and Liz would take their grandkids to Galveston and Lost Pines Resort, creating lasting memories for all. His was a well-lived, well-loved life, having said himself only weeks ago that he had no regrets.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Olive Thompson, and his brother, Maurice Thompson. Gary is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Thompson, Daughter, Tracy (Tom) Phelan, son Ted (Jennifer) Thompson, grandchildren Rachel and Natalie Phelan, and Trenton Thompson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 11:00am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Plano. A reception will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Gary’s name to Faith Presbyterian Hospice at https://www.faithpreshospice.org/donate/. Ted Dickey West Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. We invite you to sign the online guestbook at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com.